House Rules
The position of the table coordinator is determined randomly. The thirteen spade cards are placed face down on the table. Each participant selects a card, starting from the first seat and moving clockwise. After a selection, the staff member reveals the card and gives it to the participant it belongs to. The coordinator’s marker is placed in front of the participant with the highest-ranking card. If there are only two participants, the one with the marker places the small mandatory contribution and acts first.
If two (2) minutes pass without a decision, any participant, active or not, may request “extra time.” The participant whose turn it is will have one additional minute to decide. If no decision is made, a ten (10) second countdown begins.
When a new participant enters the room and multiple tables of the same type have open seats, the room supervisor assigns a table. Participants cannot choose their table.
Participants can engage in multiple game limits (e.g., 2/5, 5/10) but not a specific table. If a seat opens in a particular limit, they may continue their turn in the others. Changing tables or seats is only allowed with supervisor approval.
Each participant has five (5) minutes to reach the table and take their seat. If they do not arrive in time, the next participant on the waiting list is notified.
If a participant announces they will be absent for a specific time (maximum fifteen minutes), the first person on the waiting list may take the seat temporarily, participating in mandatory contributions as needed. When the original participant returns, they complete any remaining contributions.
If a table closes and participants wish to continue, a draw is held for available seats at other tables. If no seats are available, names are added to the waiting list in the order determined by the draw.
If the house changes contribution rates or types, participants are notified in advance via announcements in visible areas.
The indicated contribution line is a guideline, and the staff may return or accept cards that cross it.
Out-of-turn actions follow specific rules to ensure fairness. Actions taken outside the turn may be adjusted or revoked depending on the circumstances.
All personal items must remain visible to everyone at the table. If a participant places more items than allowed without announcement, it may be treated as an increase. If the amount is smaller than required, corrections will be made or the action recorded as a participation contribution.
Before the start of a round, mandatory contributions are placed. Only cards, contribution items, and a special card protector are allowed on the table. The staff may prohibit items deemed unsuitable.
Cards that fall off the table during distribution are considered exposed. Participants may hand cards directly to staff for discarding.
Oral announcements of actions are binding. Supervisors may handle cards outside the table and verify participants’ cards.
If a participant reveals their hand before a round is complete, that hand may be voided while previous contributions remain in the communal pot.
Participants may not exchange or disclose information about their cards. All communication during play must be in English or Greek.
The house follows a “one stack per session” rule. If someone leaves and returns, they either return with the same amount (if under two hours) or with the required participation for the table’s limit (if over two hours).
Participants may wear hats or sunglasses and use portable music devices away from the table. Mobile phones are not allowed during tournaments.
Standing during play is not permitted. All items must remain visible to ensure activity integrity.
New participants may register in the waiting list only in person. All actions (check, call, increase, pass) must be announced before execution.
In higher-limit tables, only contributions in multiples of the required unit are accepted. To receive any portion of the communal pot, all cards must be revealed simultaneously.
If a hand is revealed incorrectly or intentionally outside the rules, it may be voided. Cards exposed accidentally remain valid.
Use of computers, calculators, or other devices to influence outcomes, odds, or strategies is prohibited.
No communication or cooperation is allowed during a hand to influence results. Violations may result in voided hands, while previous contributions remain in the communal pot.
